The Supreme Court has now issues a notice to the Centre and state governments, Punjab, Delhi and Harayna, asking for an explanation on the pollution that is being caused by the stubble burning and vehicular pollution. This was inevitable, because ever since the smog began to cover the Capital, there had been a lot of floundering efforts by the government to control it, but there had been little to no difference in the quality of air. The AQI of certain regions like Punjabi Bagh and RK Puram has not improved for a long time, and even schools were closed down because of concern for the health of children.

Chief Justice Deepak Mishra, and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud heard the plea that the pollution was being caused by the stubble being burned in Harayana and Punjab and decided to take this action against the states.

Last week, Delhi Government tried to implement the ODD-EVEN scheme but the National Green Tribunal at first resisted it, then agreed to pass it, without any exemptions for Women and Two Wheelers, at which Delhi Government cancelled the scheme on the grounds that they were concerned for the safety of women, and didn’t have enough resources to put the scheme into action.